Victorian Poisonous Plant Study: Painting Giant Hogweed with Annie Parkes
$65.00
Date: Tuesday, October 20th 2026
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Ages: 15+
Join returning artist Annie Parkes in the Curiosa Common Room for an evening of painting inspired by the darker side of the botanical world.
Our subject is the magnificent, and menacing, Giant Hogweed (Heracleum Mantegazzianum), an imposing plant whose toxic sap can cause severe burns and blistering when exposed to sunlight.
Inspired by Victorian botanical studies and illustrations from old natural history books, Annie will guide you step-by-step as you create your own miniature painting of this notorious plant in vibrant gouache. She’ll also show you how to paint and distress a miniature frame, giving your finished artwork the appearance of a tiny treasure from another time.
No painting experience is necessary, Annie’s gentle, guided approach makes this workshop perfect for beginners and experienced painters alike.
Each participant will receive all the materials needed to create their painting and vintage-inspired frame.
We hope Giant Hogweed will be the first in a series of Poisonous Plant Studies, allowing you to slowly build your own gallery wall of beautifully dangerous botanical specimens.
Instructor
Annie Parkes is a self-taught floral artist from Toronto who weaves a touch of magic into every stroke of her brush. Known for pairing her vibrant artworks with music, she transforms each painting into a symphony of color and melody.
Her journey with gouache has been a blossoming adventure, and she delights in inviting others into her whimsical world of enchanted gardens and dreamy floralscapes. With each brushstroke, Annie brings flowers to life, transforming canvases into vibrant realms of wonder and beauty.
Cancellation Policy
Please note that all our facilitators carefully prepare in advance for each event, whether it’s gathering materials, setting up special activities, or creating a memorable experience. For this reason, once purchased, tickets are non-refundable.
If your plans change, you’re welcome to transfer your ticket to a friend up to 24 hours before the event. Just call us at (647) 341-0394 or send an email to oracle@curiosasociety.com with the new participant’s name, phone number, and email address, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Please Note
To ensure you don’t miss out, we recommend arriving a little early to get settled in.
Our event space is on the second floor, accessible only by stairs; if this raises any accessibility concerns, we encourage you to contact us before purchasing tickets to explore what accommodations, if any, might be possible.
For a full list of our workshop and event policies please visit our F.A.Q. page.
